Hollywood stars who find it hard to get over past relationships

Jennifer Aniston, Brad Pitt and Gwyneth Paltrow

Since love makes the world go round, it can get complicated at times. And this is quite more than just evident among celebrities whose love life is constantly under the radar. Given the influence paparazzi hold in Hollywood circles, one can imagine the stress a celebrity couple must endure on a daily basis. However, it'd be cynical to blame the breakups on the shutterbugs alone.

Many a time, there are deeper issues involved and what's more intriguing is how one of the two partners prefers to be clingy - even long after the splitsville. For reasons bordering on psychosis, some Hollywood celebrities simply refuse to move on. hitlist aims its lens on those who found it really hard to let go:

Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston

Lowdown: Once touted as Hollywood's golden couple, the two eventually had as many lows as the highs they exhibited in their pictureperfect snaps. Following a lavish wedding in 2000, Brad-Jen called it quits in 2005. Brad moved on to his next relationship with Angelina Jolie - whom he ultimately married this year - while the Friends' star reportedly mourned for months about how she couldn't do much to avert the end of a "wonderful" relationship.

Brad Pitt and Gwyneth Paltrow

Lowdown: There must be something about Brad that his lovers simply find it hard to move on. After dating for four years - in the meantime, getting engaged in 1996 - the star couple abruptly broke up in 1997. However, unlike Brad, Gwyneth not only opened up about her heartbreak to the press but also vied to get him back. So much so she remained single for quite a long time while the Fight Club star comfortably moved on to the television sweetheart, Jennifer Aniston.

Chris Brown and Rihanna

Lowdown: The lyrics of the hit song Rihanna co-wrote with Eminem - I Love The Way You Lie - was clearly aimed at her ex-flame. The successful singer and Chris Brown were certainly one of the most talked-about couples in not only the music circle but also in Hollywood. After reports of Chris assaulting her during an argument emerged, the couple broke up only to get back together and then broke up again. In their case, both have shown ample symptoms of clinginess toward their ex.

Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher

Lowdown: These two were together for more than seven years and when they divorced, one (Ashton) of them immediately fell in love with another actress (Milas Kunis, whose first kiss happened to be with him for a TV sitcom). On the other hand, Demi Moore chose to remain single and till date, there are constant reports of her finding excuses to spend time with Ashton - be it baby shower or other religious ceremonies - much to Milas' chagrin.

Mickey Rourke and Carre Otis

Lowdown: If one were to write a book on the tragic stars of Hollywood, Mickey's name would certainly figure in the list. The manner in which one of the most promising young actors in the '80s went on to single-handedly destroy his film career is a legend now. What's more fascinating is his infatuation with his ex-wife Carre. She wasn't impressed when he referred to her as the "love of his life" in his interviews post his Oscar nod for the film, The Wrestler (2008).

Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman

Lowdown: As of now, there's not a film star on this planet who can claim to match the gross business - we're talking about billions here - Tom's films have scored on a global scale. But he too has his share of heartbreak and obsession on his résumé. When he separated from Nicole after a decade-long association, there were unabated murmurs on how he was still in love with the Australian actress, which might explain his random flings while Kidman settled down with Keith Urban.

Owen Wilson and Kate Hudson

Lowdown: Kate was married when she fell for Owen on a movie set. She got a divorce and moved in with Owen. Just that she didn't have a clue what she was getting into. The actor was long battling depression and alcoholism. On top of that, he turned possessive about her even after their relationship ended. He even attempted suicide while they were together - a complete shocker for the film industry.

Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart

Lowdown: We just can't get enough of these two. They met on the sets of Twilight and instantly fell for each other. And dated for a long while before Kristen cheated on him with a director. As a result, RobPat broke up with her. Since then, there have been speculations about them getting back together and strong suggestions that it's Kristen who couldn't come to terms with her mistake.

Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis

Lowdown: Isn't it surprising that Johnny boy never married Vanessa despite being with her for about 15 years and now the 50-year-old actor is raring to tie the knot with his much younger girlfriend Amber Heard? After all, he even quit his base in the US and moved to France to be with Vanessa. Which is also the reason why his haste to marry Amber is being perceived as an attempt to move on from his ex.

Orlando Bloom and Miranda Kerr

Lowdown: The Pirates of the Caribbean star seemed to have it all - a glam lifestyle and a flourishing film career. Nevertheless, one aspect of it didn't last long. After three years of marriage, the two recently split up. Going by the tabloids, Miranda is quietly nursing the breakup while Orlando is keen on giving their union another try. Apparently, he has taken the blame.

Sean Penn and Madonna

Lowdown: Strange are the ways of creative folk. Back in the '80s, Sean was an upcoming actor while Madonna was a crooner on the brink of superstardom. They hit off really well and got married hastily in 1985. It lasted about four years and had all sorts of drama including violence on Sean's part. But then, even after their divorce, the singer-turned-actress left hints that she hasn't found anyone suitable enough for her since their breakup. Perhaps nobody could "match his passion" for her. As of today, Sean's engaged to Charlize Theron while Madonna recently split from her much-younger boyfriend Timor Steffens.

Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears

Lowdown: In the fading years of last century, Justin and Britney were the most happening young couple from Hollywood - given both the singers harboured celluloid dreams. Everything about them seemed dreamy and promising. This was before they broke up with suggestions of infidelity on both ends. However, it was Justin who couldn't leave the past behind. In fact, one of his hit music video Cry Me A River even featured a model who closely resembled his ex-flame.

Mariah Carey and Eminem

Lowdown: This Oscar-singing rapper doesn't need a reason to be aggrieved. There are very few people in the industry whom he likes, which is obvious by the number of those he disses in his songs. However, interestingly, he keeps going back to his fling with Mariah. Although their relationship was short-lived, Eminem continues to refer to his ex-lover as "fat b''''" and whatnot. In retaliation, Mariah too rebuked him in one of her songs for being so obsessed with her.